[Research advances in the virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae--A review]

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is of great attractiveness because it naturally produces a series of bulk chemicals such as 1,3-propanediol, 2,3-butanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid. Although this species has been fueled in recent years, its pathogenicity is considered an obstacle hindering industrial applications. Here we portray a picture of the virulence factors, including pili, receptors, capsular polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, and newly identified virulence factors. This review covers aspects of virulence genes, proteins, metabolic activities, as well as the mechanisms underlying infection and immune responses. Based on state-of-the-art advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, the strategies for eliminating or attenuating the virulence of K. pneumoniae were proposed, and the feasibilities for these protocols were also briefly discussed.